History Timeline
• • • • • • • 320 BCE: Alexander the Great conquers the Near East 1st Century CE: Kushan Empire 642-1200: Islamic Conquests 1200-1500: Mongol Invasions 1839-1842: First Anglo-Afghan War 1878-1880: Second Anglo-Afghan War 1893: British establish the Durand Line, a disputed border separating Afghanistan from its Indian territories
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History Timeline
• • • • • • Jan 2004: New constitution introduced Oct 2004: Presidential elections, Karzai elected Oct 2006: NATO assumes responsibility for security across Afghanistan Jul 2007: Former King Zahir Shah dies Aug 2007: Opium production soars to a record high, according to UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Nov 2009: President Karzai sworn in for second term amid controversy and accusations of ballot stuffing

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Political

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Flag of Afghanistan
Black stands for the time period of 1839-1919 when the Afghan people fought three wars of independence against the British Empire Red represents blood, sacrifice, and the continuous challenge of the people to overcome poverty and hardship Green is the color of Islam and symbolizes peace The writing on the flag emphasizes the importance of Islam by stating: ―There is no God but God and Mohammad is his prophet,‖ and ―God is great.‖

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Political Map

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Political Structure
Executive — President is head of both state and government o Provincial governors for each of Afghanistan‘s 34 provinces appointed by the president Legislative — National Assembly consists of two houses: o Lower- Wolesi Jirga (the House of the People)  Responsibility for making and ratifying laws and approving the actions of the president o Upper- Meshrano Jirga (the House of Elders)  Advisory role with veto power Judicial — Supreme Court o All justices (nine, including Chief Justice) appointed by the president and approved by the Wolesi Jirga o Subordinated by high courts and appeals courts
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President of Afghanistan and Cabinet

Source: Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan; as of 19 September 2009

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Relevant Country Data

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Location and Bordering Countries
Location: Southern Asia, north and west of Pakistan, east of Iran Border Countries: China Iran Pakistan Tajikistan Turkmenistan Uzbekistan

Provincial Reconstruction Team
26 PRTs, each commanded by a military officer (usually LTC) Includes o military component (CA/FP) o civilian police advisors o civilian representatives of US (or other national) government foreign agencies Focus on development, reconstruction and extending the reach of the central government into the provinces

Sources: http://www.nato.int/isaf/docu/epub/maps/index.ht ml As of 29 April 2009

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ANA Command Areas of Responsibility

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Afghan National Security Forces
NOTE: ANSF training progress plagued by high illiteracy rates ANP not trusted by population due to corruption

Holidays (dates* for 2010)
26 Feb: Mawlid al-Nabi (Birth of the Prophet Muhammad) 21 Mar: Nowruz (Persian New Year) 28 Apr: Victory of the Muslim Nation (Withdrawal of Soviet Forces) 01 May: Labor Day 19 Aug: National Day (Independence from Britain) 10 Sep: Eid al-Fitr (After a month of fasting, Afghans visit and/or entertain their friends and give gifts) Note: The week prior to Eid al-Fitr is an appropriate time to provide performance or other types of bonuses to Afghan national employees such as interpreters/translators 15 Nov: Eid-al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice — commemorates the Prophet Abraham‘s devotion to God) 16 Dec: Ashura (Shi‘a day of mourning commemorating the martyrdom of the Prophet Muhammad‘s grandson Husayn at the Battle of Karbala in 680 C.E.) Dates for religious holidays are approximated; each year the holidays are adjusted to the lunar calendar
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Geert Hofstede‘s Five Dimensions of Culture
- Low vs. High Power Distance o Afghanistan is a high power society as members of the society do not see themselves as equals but subject to those in power. - Individualism vs. Collectivism o Falling under a tribe or ethnic group would define Afghans as a collective society. Individuals answer to the tribe as a whole. - Masculine vs. Femininity o Afghanistan is very much a masculine society where competition, assertiveness and power play a crutial role in every day life. Women play a subordinate role in this society. - Low vs. High Uncertainty Avoidance o A high uncertainty avoidance society prefers rules and structured activities like tribal laws and religious values to dictate daily life. Superstitions can also play a role. - Long vs. Short Term Orientation o Afghanistan is a short term oriented society where saving face, respect for tradition, and immediate stability are important.

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Application of the Five Dimensions of Culture
- High Power Distance o It is critical to identify the power broker of a community, whether it be the local mullah, tribal elder, politician, or bussinessman; directly dealing in a positive manner with those with power will increase the effectiveness of meetings and negotiations. - Collective Society o For any decisions of significance, expect a consensus approach that may require patience on the part of Soldiers. - Masculine Society o In Afghanistan, men and women have very distinct gender roles and norms of interaction that may not conform to Western values; consult your Rules of Interaction should any situations of concern arise. - High Uncertainty Avoidance o Soldiers should attempt to provide full explanations, assurances, and demonstrate beneficial outcomes when introducing new concepts. It is also advisable to arrange meetings that do not disrupt daily religious and cultural rituals, such as prayer. - Short Term Orientation o At the end of a meeting, do not expect command decisions to be made in a timely manner.

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Communicating with Afghans: Guidelines
Greeting: Handshake or right hand over heart with slight nod Greeting in Pashtu or Dari is appreciated Men should not attempt to greet a woman unless the woman initiates the greeting It is preferable to greet the eldest or most senior first Small Talk: Casual conversation is a must at the beginning of every encounter Consists of repeated inquiries about health, family, weather, crops Do not make specific inquires about female family members Build rapport by sharing personal information (within the limits of your comfort and security) Accept offerings of food or tea (if you must decline, do so gracefully) 44

Dining With Afghans
To be invited is an honor, and attending a meal is a powerful way to build rapport Do not expect a quick dinner, nor a mixed gender dining arrangement Try to take a small gift (no alcohol); the gift will not be opened in front of you Allow the host to seat you Most likely floor seating – do not sit with legs stretched out in front of others Food is often served and consumed from common plates; always use right hand (silverware may or may not be available) nd rd Try to avoid leaving excess food on your plate and expect offers of 2 and 3 helpings 45

Combined Meeting with US and Afghan Security Forces

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Meetings and Negotiations
To foster rapport and willingness to cooperate:
Do not expect to address your goals during the initial meetings The first few meetings should focus on the goals and interests of the Afghans Never make a promise that you cannot keep Try to compliment the leader and avoid negatively affecting his honor Try not to openly disagree with their goals in public; instead, suggest further discussion may be needed Do not openly express anger or shout, as such behavior is viewed as disrespectful and shows a lack of self control Greet in Dari and/or Pashtu at the start and end of meetings In negotiations, allow your counterpart to ask about your agenda, but only allow for small pieces to be revealed (enough for your counterpart to feel comfortable and build his trust in you) 47

Pashtunwali – The Way of the Pashtun
Pashtunwali is a term coined by anthropologists. While the term itself is unfamiliar to them, it is an accurate description of an unwritten code or set of values important to their way of life.

Tajik
 2nd largest ethnic group (25 – 30% of population)  Refer to themselves as “Farsiwan” – speakers of Farsi/Dari  Formed the backbone of Northern Alliance against Taliban  Social organization by geography, not tribe  Tied together by perceived threat of Pashtuns  Mostly Sunni Muslim, with few Shi’a
The late Ahmad Shah Masood 51

Kuchi
 Nomadic herdsmen  Most often Pashtuns (few non Pashtun, such as Baluch)  Cross boundaries with ease  High illiteracy rate  Strong supporters of Taliban  Feuds with Hazara  Number around 3 million  Suffered from landmines emplaced during and after Soviet-Afghan War

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Other Ethnic Groups
      Pashai Very little known about them Characterized by language – Pashai (Dardic language) Many identify themselves as Pashtun Often associated with or referred to as Kohistani Inhabit Nurestan, parts of Laghman, and N. Nangarhar Many in timber and livestock businesses Kabuli      Ethnic-neutral, heterogeneous urban population of Kabul City Generations of intermarriages Speak Dari in addition to mother tongue Often secularly educated Familiar with/adopt Western-oriented outlook

Southern and Western Regions
The southern and western climate generally covers the Herat, Farah, and Nimruz provinces in the West and the Helmand and Kandahar provinces in the South. This region has incredibly hot summers. Snow rarely falls in the southern provinces of Helmand and Kandahar during the winter, whereas the Western provinces will see some snow with little to no accumulation. Nimruz and Farah provinces have large, sandy deserts known locally as Registan or “Sandy Land.” The entire southern region experiences high winds and sand storms from May – September. The region has a Pashtun majority, followed by a concentration of Baluch in the southernmost areas. There are pockets of Tajik populations in the region, and a small amount of Hazaras and Aimaks. The security is somewhat unstable, and insurgent groups are known to roam in the region. Helmand province is of great significance as it is responsible for over 50% of the world’s opium production.

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Western Afghanistan – Herat

Ethnic Groups Pashtun Tajik Hazara Languages: Pashtu Dari

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Herat Province Capital: Herat
Geography and Climate: Bounded by the Khorasan deserts in the west, mountains in the east and north fertile tract that contains the districts of Herat, Ghoryan, Obe, and Karukh One of the country‘s richest agricultural communities; agriculture, livestock, and carpet weaving Most of the opium production takes place in Shindand District where insurgent groups are very active High level of criminal activity throughout the province– particularly rural areas Once a center of Persian poetry and philosophy, Herat is still in Iran‘s sphere of influence

Farah Province Capital: Farah
Geography and Climate: Economy: Drug Production/Trafficking: Dangers/Concerns: Desert plains south of Farah Rud; mountainous north and east of Farah City th 6 largest opium producing province; 9 percent of arable land under opium poppy cultivation Opium poppy is mainly cultivated in the Bala Buluk and Bakwa districts Taliban pressure combined with government sponsored poppy eradication programs have pushed residents into arms of insurgency Tomb of Syed Muhammad Jaunpuri (who claimed to be the Mahdi) visited every year by many; home to many ruined castles, including ―Castle of Infidel‖

Nimruz Province Capital: Zaranj
Geography and Climate: Economy: Desert; arid; nearly all of the province (95.3%) is made up of flat land According to USAID, less than a quarter of Nimruz‘s trade with Iran is legal and more than 70 per cent of the local population participates in smuggling activities Important transit point to Pakistan and Iran; fertile Khash Rod District prime opium growing area Narco-trafficker violence to support economic interests; corruption with Afghan Border Security personnel The ancient city of Zaranj was the capital of the Saffarid Empire 71

Drug Production/Trafficking: Dangers/Concerns:

Significance:

Southern Afghanistan – Helmand

Ethnic Groups: Pashtun – 92% Baluch

Languages: Pashtu-92% Baluchi Dari

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Helmand Province Capital: Lashkar Gah
Geography and Climate: Deserts in the south, hills in the north, and the fertile Helmand River Valley along the length of the province Opium cultivation and production; almost every family is involved in the drug trade; 94% of population lives in rural districts Produces 50% of World‘s opium Security is extremely poor; serious infiltration of anti-government forces One of the early centers of Zoroastrianism; was also known as ―White India‖ due to its populations of Brahmans and Buddhists

More than four-fifths flat land; arid Agriculture; recently growing dependence on poppy cultivation Statistically the second largest poppy producing province in the country Security situation remains volatile; insurgent presence active or at least present in all Districts Considered the birthplace of modern Afghanistan; home province of President Hamid Karzai

Northern Region
The northern climate area pertains to the provinces of Badghis, Faryab, Jowzjan, Sar-e-Pol, Balkh, Samangan, Baghlan, and Kunduz. Winters here can be very cold with accumulating snowfall especially in the areas around the city of Mazar-e-Sharif in Balkh province. Also on this plain, the summers can reach temperatures of 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Uzbeks are the ethnic majority in this region, followed by Tajiks and Hazaras; there are also pockets of Pashtuns and Turkmen. In recent years threat activity has been low, but some poppy cultivation and trafficking is ongoing (esp. in Sar-e-Pol). Mazar-e-Sharif is famous for its Blue Mosque, which receives hundreds of thousands of pilgrims each year at Nowruz (Persian New Year).
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Murghab River in the north and the Hari-Rud River in the south; bordered on the north by the Desert of the Sarakhs; extremely mountainous and remote Agriculture and animal husbandry Opium poppy cultivated mainly in the Ghormach, Murghab and Qadis districts; opium is not a major source of income for the province Security situation has deteriorated in the northern districts of Ghormach and Murghab; Pashtun population sympathetic to the local Taliban Badghis = ―Lap of Wind‖; settled by the Emir th with purely Afghan tribes in late 19 century 79

Faryab Province Capital: Maymana
Geography and Climate: Economy: Drug Production/Trafficking: Dangers/Concerns: Two thirds mountainous or semi mountainous Agriculture; Industrial commodities; handicrafts - rugs and carpets Little poppy cultivation but one of the most important transit areas for drug trafficking, especially Bilchiragh, Gorziwan and Kohistan Improvised explosive device attacks against International Security Assistance Forces (ISAF) in Maimana City; violent demonstrations with some involvement of the locals Named after a town founded by Sassanids and later destroyed by invading Mongols in 1220 81

Jowzjan Province Capital: Sheberghan
Geography and Climate: Economy: Drug Production/Trafficking: Dangers/Concerns: More than one quarter mountainous; two thirds of the area flat Agriculture Most local commanders involved in the narcotics business Some unrest; factional clashes continue to cause instability; there are indications that Darzab district may serve as a base for Anti Government Elements (AGE) Traditional powerbase of Uzbek warlord Rashid Dostum

75% mountainous terrain,14% flat Agriculture; area largely undeveloped Poppy cultivation is ongoing; transit area for drug trafficking Relatively calm and stable; some unresolved land disputes Named after Buddhist disciple Sariputta, who originated from the area

Balkh Province Capital: Mazar-e-Sharif
Geography and Climate: Economy: 50% mountainous, 50% flat Mazar-e-Sharif is a commercial and financial center; poppy production still a significant source of income Poppy and hashish cultivation in Balkh still significant; reportedly 40% of poppy cultivated land destroyed by government; remaining 60% is under control of local commanders and individuals Criminality mostly tied to opium and hashish trafficking Located along the historic Silk Route, was the ancient center of Zoroastrianism and the Bactrian Empire 87

Four fifths mountainous; 12% of the area flat Agriculture Poppy eradication successful; few remote areas do continue poppy growing Rui Do Ab and Dara-i-Suf districts still the two major drug transit areas Relatively calm and stable Was once the ancient Buddhist center of Takht-e Rostam

Baghlan Province Capital: Puli Khumri
Geography and Climate: Economy: Drug Production/Trafficking: Dangers/Concerns: Significance: Over half mountainous Lies on main route to Northern provinces Agriculture Significant amounts of cultivation and trafficking Opium cultivation remains major concern In 1 century CE was the site of a famous Zoroastrian fire temple; currently has the only functioning cement factory in Afghanistan
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Kunduz Province Capital: Kunduz
Geography and Climate: Economy: Drug Production/Trafficking: Dangers/Concerns: ¾ flat; 12% mountainous; fertile land; route to access Tajikistan Agriculture Very little production; part of KabulPulikhumri-Kunduz-Tajikistan drug route Illegally armed groups and warlords; community support for Anti-government elements; Chahar Dar considered a high threat district On 4 September 2009 German ISAF elements called an air strike against two NATO fuel trucks that had been captured by insurgents; as a result of the US aircraft attack, more than 90 people, among them at least 40 civilians, who had gathered to collect fuel. 93

Significance:

Northeastern Region
Takhar, Panjshir, Nurestan, Badakhshan

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Northeastern Region:
The northeastern border climate is made up of the highest elevations in the Hindu Kush mountain range which leads up to the Himalayan Mountains. During the winter months, these mountains are impassable and during the summer, heavy poppy trafficking is pervasive. The provinces covered in this region are Takhar, Panjshir, Nurestan, and Badakhshan. With the exception of Nurestan, which is almost 100% Nurestani, the region has an ethnic majority of Tajiks; Uzbeks are the next largest group, and there are a few Hazara and Pashtun populations. Although the Panjshir and Badakhshan provinces never came under Taliban control, there is some Taliban activity in the region. Nurestan is an area of concern as Taliban have been able to operate openly in the region.

Nurestan Province Capital: Parun
Geography and Climate: Economy: Drug Production/Trafficking: Dangers/Concerns: 99% mountainous; most impassable regions Agriculture, livestock, day labor; trade across border with Pakistan; one of poorest regions Land unsuitable for poppy cultivation; some drug trafficking across border Poor security/some parts under ―enemy‖ control lack of infrastructure; local militias stronger than government Until the 1890s, the region was known as Kafiristan (Persian for "Land of the nonbelievers") because its inhabitants were nonMuslims who practiced a form of Zoroastrianism

Significance:

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Northeastern Afghanistan - Badakhshan

Ethnic Groups: Majority Tajik Languages: Dari

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Badakhshan Province Capital: Fayzabad
Geography and Climate: Between Hindu Kush and Amu Darya; only province to border China via Wakhan Corridor; prone to earthquakes and seasonal flooding Agriculture; rich in natural minerals Believed to be a major drug smuggling route Insufficient protection of the Tajik - Afghan border Rich in minerals; has attracted China who has helped with reconstruction of roads and infrastructure

Eastern Region
The eastern border region is extremely mountainous. During the summer, the temperatures can reach in excess of 100 degrees Fahrenheit and during the winter, the mountains are impassable due to heavy snowfall. With many narrow canyons, valleys, and mountain passes, this region provides treacherous terrain that is perfect for guerilla warfare operations. The Pashtun are the ethnic majority in this region, with much smaller numbers of Tajiks and Hazaras. The security of the region is threatened by its insecure border with Pakistan, which allows for free migration in both directions and smuggling of the region‘s natural resources. The region is also known as an insurgent hideout, especially in the province of Konar. The provinces covered in section include Konar, Nangarhar, Lowgar, Paktia, Khost, Paktika, Ghazni, Laghman, and Zabol. 105

Embedded in Hindu Kush; heavily mountainous and forested Agriculture, livestock, day labor; some timber (smuggling to Pakistan) Trafficking of heroin and opium into the Federally Administered Tribal Areas of Pakistan Established base of insurgent groups; possible Al Qaeda sanctuary Looting of national assets (timber and gems) is a destabilizing factor for province; with some of the largest forests in Afghanistan, trees are now rapidly being cut down illegally and smuggled to Pakistan 107

More than ½ mountainous; 2/5 flat land ½ agriculture; trade and services Opium and cannabis production prevalent; once center of poppy production (95% decrease in 2005) Illegally armed groups, anti-government elements active and heavily armed; migration from and to Pakistan Jalalabad is considered one of the most important cities of the Pashtun culture

Paktia Province Capital: Gardez
Geography and Climate: Economy: Seta – Kandow (KG) Pass in Zadran Arc is the premier mountain range in Paktia Forestry and the mining of chromites and natural gas; grains, crops and apple, walnut, and apricot orchards Significant precursor trafficking occurs along the eastern belt of Paktia Security situation remains volatile; insurgent presence active or at least present in all Districts KG Pass is the historical home to antigovernment elements and Haqqani Network; Shah-i Kot Valley in Zormat District, a mountainous region historically used as a base for renegades 113

Drug Production/Trafficking: Dangers/Concerns:

Significance:

Eastern Afghanistan – Khost

Ethnic Groups: Pashtun-99%

Languages: Pashtu

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Khost Province Capital: Khost
Geography and Climate: Dominated by the Khost Valley and the mountains that surround it; natural forests run along the border Agriculture and animal husbandry Heroin and opium are trafficked into the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) region of Pakistan where insurgent groups linked to the Taliban and Al-Qaeda dominate Security situation remains volatile with an insurgent presence active or at least present in all Districts Once part of Paktia province; Khost City the first to be liberated from communist rule during Soviet occupation

Economy: Drug Production/Trafficking:

Dangers/Concerns:

Significance:

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Eastern Afghanistan – Paktika

Ethnic Groups: Pashtun

Languages: Pashtu

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Paktika Province Capital: Sharan

Geography and Climate: Economy:

Drug Production/Trafficking: Dangers/Concerns:

Significance:

Arid; high desert; 32% mountainous Agriculture and animal husbandry; overall literacy rate in province is extremely low at just 2% Heroin and opium are trafficked into the FATA region of Pakistan Security situation remains volatile with an insurgent presence active or at least present in all Districts Once part of Paktia province, was the site of many battles during Soviet occupation

Ghazni Province Capital: Ghazni
Geography and Climate: Economy: Drug Production/Trafficking: Dangers/Concerns: Arid; level towards the Southeast, more mountainous and wet toward the Northwest Agriculture, animal husbandry and day labor Poppy-free Security situation remains volatile with an insurgent presence active or at least present in all Pashtun districts; Hazara areas low threat Was once the center of the Ghaznavid Empire, which ruled much of India, Central Asia, and Persia

Central Region
The central climate area is generally covered by the Hindu Kush Mountains. Summers can reach temperatures of 100 degrees Fahrenheit and winters will be bitterly cold with very heavy snowfall. The provinces in this area are Ghor, Daykundi, Oruzgan, Wardak, Kabul, Kapisa, Parvan and Bamyan. This area is considered to be a high desert with terrain similar to southern Arizona and the mountains of central Nevada and eastern California. The area hosts a mix of Pashtun, Tajik, and Hazara, with several other groups in smaller numbers. As the physical center of the country, the region has been influenced by several cultural movements and the Silk Road. The Buddhists statues of Bamyan, destroyed by the Taliban in 2001, are a well-known artifact of the region‘s rich cultural past. The security of the region has deteriorated, especially in Oruzgan and Wardak.
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Extremely mountainous and characterized by small, isolated villages, which are generally inaccessible during the winter months Agriculture and animal husbandry Was cultivating opium poppy but between 2007 and 2009 had become poppy-free Lowest threat province in region The Minaret of Jam, the second tallest minaret in the world and a national treasure, is located in a remote valley on the banks of the Hari Rud River

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Central Afghanistan – Daykundi

Ethnic Groups: Hazara - 86% Pashtun - 8.5% Baluch - 3.5%

Languages: Dari - 91% Pashtu - 13%

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Daykundi Province Capital: Nili
Geography and Climate: Economy: 90% of terrain mountainous Agriculture; 99% of the population of Daykundi lives in rural districts while 1% lives in urban areas Primary transit route for traffickers who transport drugs from the north of Bamyan to the south of Daykundi to provinces like Helmand and Oruzgan Gizab District recently under AGE control (Pashtun-populated Gizab annexed to Oruzgan province in 2006, but change not shown on maps) Part of ethnic region of Hazarajat; Nili first city to have female mayor (Ms. Azra Jafari) 129

Drug Production/Trafficking:

Dangers/Concerns:

Significance:

Central Afghanistan – Oruzgan

Ethnic Groups: Pashtun Hazara Kuchi (seasonal)

Languages: Pashtu - 90% Dari

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Oruzgan Province Capital:Tirin Kot
Geography and Climate: Economy: Around three quarters of the province (72%) is mountainous or semi mountainous terrain Agriculture (grains, apricots, and almonds) was the primary source of livelihood, but many farmers have switched to poppy production Opium is now the province‘s main source of revenue Security situation remains volatile with an insurgent presence active or at least present in all Districts Well-known as the birthplace of Taliban leader Mullah Omar

Drug Production/Trafficking: Dangers/Concerns:

Significance:

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Central Afghanistan – Wardak

Ethnic Groups: Pashtun - 70% Hazara/Tajik - 27%

Languages: Majority Pasthu Some Dari

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Wardak Province Capital: Maidan Shar
Geography and Climate: Economy: 4/5 mountainous; Southern outcrops of Hindu Kush Trade, agriculture and livestock; stone quarrying; marble factory; marble mines inactive After five years of continuous cultivation, the province has regained its original poppy-free status as of 2008 Increasing physical presence of Taliban; lack of confidence in government; land disputes between Hazara and Kuchi During the Soviet-Aghan war, much of the population emigrated from the province to Iran (Hazara) and Pakistan (Pashtun), and many have returned since the fall of the Taliban, putting a strain on the already damaged infrastructure. 133

Kapisa Province Capital: Mahmud Raqi
Geography and Climate: Economy: Drug Production/Trafficking: Dangers/Concerns: Significance: Partially surrounded by mountains; two rivers Agriculture; talc mine; ―Mela‖ – trade day once/week once was a site of poppy cultivation, but has become poppy-free Satisfactory security Once destroyed by Cyrus the Great; once part of Buddhist kingdom; once known for wine

Language Guide
Dari (Afghan Persian/Farsi) and Pashtu are the official languages of Afghanistan. Pashtu was declared the National Language of the country during the beginning of King Zahir in 1933; however, Dari has always been used for business and government transactions. Pashtu is primarily spoken in Southern areas and the Eastern areas bordering Pakistan; Dari is used in much of the rest of the country Dari only differs slightly from Persian Farsi; both use the same alphabet Pashtu has an alphabet distinct from Farsi/Dari; there are two main dialects (Southern/‖soft‖ and Northern/‖hard) that slightly vary from one another (all dialects are mutually understood by all Pashtu speakers) A significant percentage of the vocabulary of both languages is borrowed from Arabic

Cultural Proverbs, Expressions, and Idioms
 Tajik proverb says ―a person's navel is on his belly while the world's navel is on the Pamirs‖.  ―There is a path to the top of the highest mountain.‖  ―The first day you meet, you are friends. The next day you meet, you are brothers.‖  ―Don‘t stop a donkey that is not yours.‖ Meaning to mind your own business.  ―Blood cannot be washed out with blood.‖  ―No rose is without thorns.‖  ―Without investigating the water, don‘t take off your shoes to walk through it‖.  ―A liar is forgetful.‖  ―You can‘t clap with one hand.‖ There is strength in Union.  ―A river is made drop by drop.‖ Step by step, precept by precept.  ―The right answer to a fool is silence.‖ Silence is golden.  ―Don‘t show me the palm tree show me the dates.‖  ―What you see in yourself is what you see in the world.‖

In its effort to support US Soldiers, the TRADOC Culture Center offers the following training and products for initial military training through the Captain Career Course: Region-Specific Training Support Packages Covering Countries in:

CENTCOM AFRICOM SOUTHCOM PACOM Core Culture Competency Training Support Packages
What is Culture/Who Am I Influences on Culture Cross-Culture Communications Rapport Building Cross-Culture Negotiations The TRADOC Culture Center is committed to fulfilling the needs of US Soldiers and is able to provide culture training tailored to specific requests.
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